- A gas leak caused a fire at The Naked Chef Taproom and Food Bar in Muizenberg, leaving the restaurant destroyed and a chef with second-degree burns.
- The restaurant owners expressed shock and gratitude for the quick response of emergency services and community support.
- Despite the damage, there were no other injuries.
A suspected gas leak at a Muizenberg restaurant is cited as the cause of a devastating fire that left a chef with second-degree burn wounds.
The Naked Chef Taproom and Food Bar, situated at Nautilus Centre, Capricorn Beach, was destroyed in the fire on Monday 12 August.
In a social media post, the owners of the eatery expressed their shock after the incident.
“Our chef sustained some second-degree burns on her forearm, hand and foot; as a precautionary measure, we requested she be taken to False Bay Hospital for an examination.”
Fortunately, there were no other injuries, the statement continued.
“Our waiter is physically okay but a bit shaken.”
Grateful
The owners thanked emergency services and residents for their support.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support, thanks to all our customers who supported and assisted us, for all the messages we have been receiving throughout the day,” the statement read.
“Our gratitude to the Lakeside Fire Department, who responded very quickly. They managed to contain and extinguish the fire without serious damage to the apartments above, although the flat above, sadly, has a broken window and smoke in the flat.
“Many thanks to Muizenberg police, who responded quickly and professionally and thanks to the paramedics, who assisted professionally. Despite the devastation, we feel at the loss of our business. Our hearts are full having witnessed the incredible community spirit shown.”
Meanwhile, City of Cape Town fire service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed gas as the cause of the blaze.
“The City’s fire and rescue service received the emergency call at 11:35 of a building alight in Sanderling Road, Muizenberg on Monday 12 August,” he commented.
Carelse added that while adjacent businesses were affected by smoke, only the restaurant had been destroyed.
“Fire crews managed to contain and extinguish the blaze by 12:45 which destroyed the premises,” he said. “A female sustained burn wounds and was treated on scene and afterwards transported to a nearby medical facility.”
